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New Year’s Eve Music Festival Returns to Bondi Beach

A motion has been approved to bring a New Year’s Eve music festival back to Bondi Beach, reviving a major event not seen since 2014.

Shore Thing’s Legacy and Cancellation

Bondi Beach previously hosted the Shore Thing Festival, a popular New Year’s Eve music event that attracted crowds of up to 15,000. The festival was cancelled in 2014 following sustained complaints from local residents. They claimed the event encouraged antisocial behaviour and disrupted access to the beach, particularly due to temporary security fencing and noise levels.

Past Shore Thing line-ups featured internationally recognised artists including Snoop Dogg, Calvin Harris, Skrillex, Flume, Underworld, The Presets, and David Guetta. One of the festival’s most notable moments was in 1999, when renowned DJ Carl Cox performed a millennium set at Bondi Beach.

Proposal Passed to Relaunch Festival

On March 18, local officials Michelle Stephenson and Will Nemesh submitted a notice of motion to reintroduce a New Year’s Eve music festival at Bondi Beach. The motion passed, and the Council will now begin seeking a partner through an expression of interest process. Support will also be sought from the State and Destination NSW to facilitate the festival’s return.

Ms Stephenson stated the revived event could reconnect the community and help rejuvenate Sydney’s night-time economy. She acknowledged the lessons learned from previous editions and expressed confidence in the council’s ability to manage events with reduced community impact.

Shore Thing — *Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only*
*Photo Credit: Pexels*

Timing and Context for the Festival’s Return

The proposal comes amid wider disruption in the Australian festival scene. Several major events, including Splendour in the Grass and Groovin the Moo, will not return in 2025. Smaller festivals such as Souled Out and Esoteric were also cancelled at short notice. The reintroduction of a Bondi Beach NYE festival is seen by some as a timely opportunity to revitalise Sydney’s entertainment landscape.

Community Reactions Mixed

Local response to the announcement has been divided. While some residents previously opposed the event due to safety and access concerns, others—according to Ms Stephenson—feel the area has “lost its vibe” and welcome the return of live music. Mr Nemesh emphasised the festival’s potential to activate public spaces and provide new recreational opportunities for both residents and tourists.

@bondi_lines Sydney nightlife resurgence continues 😍 #bondibeach #nye ♬ original sound – Bondi Lines

Next Steps for Event Planning

Waverley Council will now move to secure a delivery partner and begin formal planning for the event. Details including ticketing, artist line-ups, and security measures are yet to be announced. If plans proceed smoothly, the festival could return as early as New Year’s Eve 2026.

Published 26-Mar-2025

Bondi Junction Marks One Year Since Westfield Tragedy

Photo Credit: Westfield Bondi Junction/Facebook

A year ago, heartbreak spread through Bondi Junction when six lives were lost in a violent attack. Now, the community is quietly coming together to remember.

Bondi Community Remembers Tragedy with Quiet Strength

Bondi Junction is preparing to reflect on the first anniversary of the Westfield Bondi Junction knife attack, where six lives were lost in a shocking act of violence. The community will honour the victims through a week-long public display, bringing people together in memory and healing.

Honouring the Victims

From 10 to 16 April, a tribute will be on display at Oxford Street Mall in Bondi Junction. It will feature photos, heartfelt messages, and images from last year’s candlelight vigil at Bondi Junction. Organised by the NSW Government, Waverley Council and Scentre Group, the display offers a space for quiet remembrance.

*Photo Credit: Westfield Bondi Junction/Facebook*

Welfare support officers will be available on 12 and 13 April for those who need emotional assistance. NSW Health is also offering support services for affected individuals and families.

Community Strength and Support

Waverley Council is aware of the lasting impact of the tragedy on the community. The memorial serves as a chance for locals, workers, and visitors to unite, commemorate those who died, and encourage each other through the healing process.

Scentre Group, Westfield Bondi Junction’s manager, has cooperated with leaders in the community to ensure that the memorial takes place in a secure and dignified atmosphere.

Steps Toward Healing and Safety

Security has been tightened at Westfield since the attack, including the introduction of body-worn cameras for guards and stronger protocols. It is all designed to make shoppers safe as the community pushes on along its path towards healing.

This anniversary today is not just a recollection of the dead, but an expression of the inner strength that infuses Bondi Junction and its residents.

Published 24-March-2025

UFC Champ Alexander Volkanovski Gives Back to Bondi Beach Community

Photo Credit: Tyro/ Facebook

In partnership with Tyro Payments, Alexander Volkanovski, former UFC featherweight world champion, provided a $20,000 bar tab for the public at Ravesis, Bondi Beach, drawing large crowds and creating a vibrant community atmosphere.

The event aimed to support Australian businesses and reward the community.

Community Engagement and Support

The event saw locals and visitors gather to enjoy free food and drinks, with many also participating in prize giveaways. These prizes included hotel stays, merchandise, and vouchers, adding to the day’s excitement. Volkanovski, named “Chief Tap Out Officer” for Tyro’s “Big Buyout” campaign, expressed his commitment to supporting small businesses.

Alexander Volkanovski stated that he understands entrepreneurs’ challenges, drawing from his experiences in launching ventures like Engage Sportswear and Cooking with Volk. He emphasised his gratitude for the support he had received throughout his career and his desire to give back to the community.

Tyro’s Campaign and Business Support

Tyro Payments’ “Big Buyout” campaign aims to assist Australian businesses facing increased supply costs and cash flow difficulties. The campaign seeks practical support and raise awareness of small businesses’ challenges.

The event at Bondi Beach served as a public demonstration of this commitment, bringing together the community and highlighting the importance of supporting local businesses.

Entertainment and Atmosphere

The event was further enhanced by a performance from Peking Duk singer Lucy Washington, who entertained the large crowd. Volkanovski expressed his satisfaction with the event, noting the positive atmosphere and the smiles on attendees’ faces.

He reiterated that the primary goal was to support small business owners and provide a fun, engaging experience for the community. The event was a success, with many people enjoying socialising and celebrating.

Published Date 20-March-2025

Pedestrian Injured at Bondi Beach as E-Scooter Debate Grows

Photo Credit: Icsilviu/Pixabay

Are e-scooters too dangerous for Australian streets? After a pedestrian was injured in a Bondi Beach crash, debate over safety regulations is heating up again.

Pedestrian Injured in E-Scooter Accident

A 30-year-old man was knocked off the pavement by an e-scooter on Bondi Beach, leaving him injured on the footpath and reigniting concern over e-scooter safety. The 41-year-old rider was tested for drugs on the roadside, while emergency workers treated the footpath pedestrian. It is adding to growing outrage at the danger e-scooters pose to pedestrians and drivers.

Rise in E-Scooter-Related Injuries

The Bondi Beach crash is symptomatic of a larger issue, with Queensland hospitals seeing a 25% increase in e-scooter injuries over the last year.

Riders tend to disregard helmet laws, with fines of up to $410 in New South Wales. Members of the community have been calling for stricter laws, with some describing dangerous e-scooter riders as a “feral” threat on public roads.

Are Current Laws Enough?

Conflicting laws right around Australia have made enforcement difficult. Some states ban e-scooters from footpaths and speed limit them to 25km/h, but infringements are rife. In Queensland, drunken e-scooter drivers can now lose licences, but other states are still mulling following suit.

Balancing Convenience and Safety

While e-scooters provide an environmentally friendly option for transportation, critics argue public safety is at risk without enhanced enforcement. Sydney lawyer Jess Lyons argues that more education for riders, rather than outright bans, would be a means of reducing accidents while still providing e-scooters as an option for transportation.

With e-scooters increasingly popular in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne, state governments are coming under pressure to tighten up safety laws. Whether by dedicated lanes, better rider education, or increased penalties, the debate for and against e-scooters is far from over.

Published 20-March-2025

Westfield Malls Introduce Body Cameras Following Bondi Beach Stabbing

Photo Credit: LadyTasker/X

In response to the tragic stabbings at Bondi Beach’s Westfield shopping centre, which resulted in six deaths, security guards across Australia’s Westfield malls will now wear body-worn cameras.

Westfield Malls Introduce Body Cameras Following Bondi Beach Stabbing — *Photo Credit:* *Clinton Maynard/TwitterX*

Scentre Group, the operator of 42 Westfield shopping centres, has implemented body-worn cameras to enhance the security of shoppers and staff. This follows the introduction of stab-proof vests for security personnel after the Bondi Beach incident.

The cameras will record audio and video when security guards believe their safety, or the safety of others, is at risk. Signage has been placed at entrances to inform the public that they may be filmed in the centres. The operators have also stated that being filmed is a condition of entry.

Criminologist Justin Ready from Griffith University observed the growing trend of private companies using body-worn cameras. However, he noted there is no concrete evidence that these devices prevent crime. He stressed that the effectiveness of the cameras depends on the specific policies and how they are used, and that people need to be aware they are being recorded.

Queensland Council of Civil Liberties president Michael Cope expressed concern about the increase in surveillance, arguing that society is giving up too much privacy for perceived safety. He pointed out that security guards do not have the same legal powers as police officers and that the laws governing such surveillance devices are inadequate.

Public reactions online have largely questioned the usefulness of the cameras in preventing attacks, with many suggesting they will only record incidents rather than stop them. Several people have raised concerns about the training and pay of security staff and the duty of care shopping centres have for their employees.

A coronial inquest into the Bondi Beach stabbing incident is scheduled to take place in New South Wales next month.

Published Date 18-March-2025

“The Bondi” Penthouse Changes Hands for $16.25M

Photo Credit: PTW

A luxury penthouse atop “The Bondi” development has changed hands for $16.25 million, highlighting the continued strong demand for premium Bondi Beach real estate.

The three-bedroom, two-bathroom property, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass with ocean views from every room, was sold by commercial property executive Joshua Berger and his wife Michelle. The couple purchased the property in 2016 for $7,575,000 from former Ramsay Healthcare chief Chris Rex, yielding them a substantial return despite reportedly being discounted from an initial asking price of $18 million.

Designed by PTW Architects, the penthouse includes exclusive amenities such as personal valet and concierge services. The prestigious property, developed by Allen Linz and Eduard Litver, is now owned by Danielle Elkorr, who has demonstrated previous interest in Sydney’s premium real estate market.

The transaction comes as billionaire Will Vicars expands his already significant holdings in Bondi Beach, purchasing his seventh investment property in the nearby Pacific building. His latest $2.55 million acquisition brings his total investment in the Linz and Litver-developed block to over $45 million.

Both sales were handled by Steven Chen of The Agency, who declined to comment on the transactions.

These high-value sales underscore Bondi Beach’s position as one of Sydney’s most sought-after coastal locations, where luxury properties continue to attract wealthy investors despite broader market fluctuations.

Published 16-March-2025

E-Scooter Injuries on the Rise as Bondi Beach Incident Adds to Concerns

Photo Credit: Wikimedia

Bondi Beach locals are demanding action after yet another e-scooter accident left a man injured on the road, sparking fresh concerns over safety and regulations.

Bondi Beach E-Scooter Crash Sparks Safety Debate

A man in his 30s was left in hospital when he was hit by an e-scooter at Bondi Beach, igniting renewed criticism of e-scooter safety in Australia. The injured pedestrian was struck Monday evening, the 41-year-old rider meanwhile unscathed but tested for drugs. NSW Police are investigating.

Rising Safety Concerns

E-scooter injuries rose 25% in Queensland from 2022 to 2023, with multiple fatalities reported. While promoted as eco-friendly, unsafe riding, helmet violations, and lax regulations fuel accidents. Fines for helmet breaches stand at $410 in NSW and $161 in Queensland, but enforcement remains inconsistent.

Community Outrage and Calls for Stricter Rules

Bondi residents expressed dismay, demanding tougher laws or total bans in footpath zones. Many report near-misses daily, particularly involving families with small children. Parents are also raising concerns about children riding high-speed e-bikes without training or helmets, with some models reaching 40 km/h.

The Hidden Fire Risk: Lithium-Ion Batteries

Beyond road safety, e-scooter battery fires are increasing, with 11 incidents reported in NSW in just one week. A 21-year-old man was killed in a Sydney house fire caused by an e-bike battery. Firefighters warn improper charging and faulty batteries pose serious hazards. Insurer IAG is now working with global experts to establish safety guidelines for lithium-ion batteries.

The Push for Stronger Laws

Australia’s e-scooter legislation is still patchy, with differing regulations across states. Most are calling for nationwide rules, age limits, and increased penalties for reckless riders. E-scooters present an environmentally friendly transport alternative, but their safety hazards cannot be overlooked, and neighbourhoods are calling for immediate action.

Published 14-March-2025

Bondi Beach Ranked Among World’s Best, But Do Locals Agree?

Photo Credit: Pexels/Yifan Lai

Tourists love Bondi Beach, but does it really deserve a spot among the world’s best? Tripadvisor’s latest rankings have sparked a debate among Australians.

Bondi Named One of the World’s Best Beaches, But Locals Aren’t Convinced

Bondi Beach has been listed among the planet’s best 25 beaches in Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travellers’ Choice Awards, but not everyone is pleased. While the international listing puts the Sydney icon on the world’s most stunning coastal locations, many locals believe it fails to reflect the best of Australia’s coast.

Two Australian Beaches Make the Cut

Bondi came in at number 24 on Tripadvisor’s annual list, with Manly Beach at 15, eight places down from its seventh place ranking in 2024. The world ranking, based on travellers’ ratings and reviews over the past 12 months, featured just two beaches from Sydney.

Tripadvisor has listed Bondi’s golden beach, renowned surf beaches, and scenic coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee as the top reasons for its ranking. Manly, however, was commended for its convenient ferry ride from Circular Quay, patrolled swimming pools, and family-friendly atmosphere.

Locals Divided Over the Rankings

Even with the global recognition, Sydneysiders were shocked to find Bondi and Manly as Australia’s representatives on the list. Although both beaches are undoubtedly iconic, others feel that other less popular destinations are more representative of the country’s natural beauty.

Bondi, though, is a resort area, with large crowds and expensive restaurants that take away from the beach experience, say some. Most locals prefer to visit less crowded beaches like Palm Beach, Freshwater, or Bronte that offer the same view without the crowds.

*Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons/Palm Beach*

Manly’s addition was less argumentative, with its casual charm and appeal, though some still question whether it is better than beaches like Queensland’s Whitehaven Beach or Tasmania’s Wineglass Bay, both longtime favourites on similar lists.

How the World’s Best Beaches Are Chosen

The 2025 Travellers’ Choice Awards rely on a mix of millions of traveller reviews over the last year. Tripadvisor takes into account aspects such as water quality, landscape, activities, and overall visitor satisfaction to compile the rankings.

At the helm of this year’s best was Elafonissi Beach in Crete, Greece, because of its pink sand and crystal clear waters. The remaining beaches that joined the top five were Eagle Beach in Aruba, Cable Beach in Broome, and Praia da Falésia in Portugal.

Despite missing out on a top 10 spot, Bondi and Manly’s global recognition reinforces Sydney’s status as a world-class coastal destination—even if not all Australians agree.

Published 12-March-2025

Bondi Beach to Become More Inclusive with Major Accessibility Upgrades

Bondi Beach, one of Australia’s most iconic coastal destinations, is set to become more accessible for people with disabilities as part of a $17.1 million investment aimed at improving access to the nation’s beaches.

Read: Bondi Beach Pollution: Sewage System Under Scrutiny Amid Debris Concerns

The funding will help local councils and surf lifesaving clubs install all-terrain wheelchairs, improve beach pathways and extend beach matting. Bondi Beach, a favourite among both locals and tourists, is among the key locations set to benefit, alongside other major destinations like Palm Cove, Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, Sorrento Beach, and Henley Beach.

As one of Australia’s busiest beaches, Bondi attracts millions of visitors each year. The improvements will ensure that people of all abilities can enjoy the sand, surf and vibrant coastal atmosphere.

Shane Hryhorec, founder of Accessible Beaches Australia, welcomed the initiative, calling it a step in the right direction.

Efforts to enhance accessibility are also expanding beyond beaches, with infrastructure projects aiming to improve access to national parks, public spaces, and recreational areas. Additional facilities are also being developed to support individuals with complex needs, ensuring a more inclusive experience across various environments.

Read: Probus Club Opens to Foster Social Connections Among Bondi Beach Retirees and Semi-Retirees

“Through Accessible Australia, we are significantly broadening the types of accessible infrastructure and amenities that will be built across Australia, providing access – for the first time for many – to national parks, beaches and play spaces,” Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said.

“These new facilities will be in addition to Changing Places projects recently announced, as we bolster our efforts to increase inclusion and promote accessible tourism.”

With these upgrades, Bondi Beach is set to reinforce its status as an inclusive destination, allowing more people to experience its world-renowned beauty and energy.

Published 28-February-2025

Bondi Beach Footy Scene Just Got Bigger with GameDay Squad and James Tedesco

Bondi Beach, a hotspot for sun, surf, and Sydney Roosters fans, is now making waves in the world of fantasy footy. Rugby League superstar James Tedesco has thrown his support behind GameDay Squad, an Australian fantasy sports platform changing how fans engage with the game.

With over 500,000 downloads on Google Play and a unique free-to-play model, the platform is drawing in Rugby League enthusiasts like never before.

Tedesco, the Roosters captain and a familiar face around Bondi, believes GameDay Squad brings a real coaching experience to fans. Unlike traditional fantasy leagues that rely on salary caps and weekly drafts, this platform allows users to collect, trade, and manage their teams year-round. He sees it as an opportunity for footy fans to experience the highs and lows of managing a team, much like the real thing.

Fantasy Footy’s Growing Presence in Australia

Fantasy sports are booming in Australia, with participation numbers doubling in the last three years. More than 2.4 million Australians now play, highlighting a shift in how fans connect with their favourite teams and players. GameDay Squad has positioned itself as a leader in this space, offering an accessible and strategic game without the usual pay-to-play restrictions.

Founder Callum Stone emphasised that the game’s free-to-play model makes it inclusive for all fans, allowing them to build a squad and compete at any level. He believes Tedesco is the perfect fit for the platform, given his leadership both on and off the field.

James Tadesco Sydney Roosters — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Sydney Roosters, Bondi Beach, and Community Engagement

Bondi Beach has long been associated with the Sydney Roosters, with many players living, training, or spending time in the area. Tedesco, as the Roosters’ captain, is often seen around Bondi, making him a natural connection between the local community and fantasy footy fans. His endorsement of GameDay Squad strengthens its presence among Rugby League supporters in the Eastern Suburbs and beyond.

As part of the partnership, GameDay Squad is hosting a launch event on Thursday, February 27, in Sydney, giving fans the chance to meet James Tedesco and get an exclusive preview of the 2025 season. With fantasy footy rapidly evolving, this event is expected to draw strong interest from the community.

For fans eager to join, sign-ups are free at www.gamedaysquad.com.au, and tickets for the launch event are available at Humanitix.